Issue 1: Have a late model built 51 8N bought a few years ago. Always had a starter issue. Would turn over sometimes and engage properly and then just spin. I would have to get off and rock the tractor in gear and until I heard a click and it would engage. Yes, it appears to be the bendix even though it looked fine, but the the bendix gear was not very long. Could see wear and shavings on flywheel where it wasn't engaging all the way Have ordered new starter and newer style bendix/drive and hope that solves it. But since then when it has totally broken off the bendix gear so the pan needs to come off and get all the metal out.
Issue 2: Every since I have had it, until it gets warm the clutch will not disengage. I have to keep testing it till finally I can get going before tearing down a wall or running into a vehicle before I can throw it out of gear and brake. Since I have to take the pan off, that in this model goes past the flywheel, can I get to the clutch enough to take it and the flywheel off by rotating it without splitting the tractor into? Know this is a couple of issues but would be helpful to me since I haven't tore into it like you guys have. Thanks!
Issue 2: Every since I have had it, until it gets warm the clutch will not disengage. I have to keep testing it till finally I can get going before tearing down a wall or running into a vehicle before I can throw it out of gear and brake. Since I have to take the pan off, that in this model goes past the flywheel, can I get to the clutch enough to take it and the flywheel off by rotating it without splitting the tractor into? Know this is a couple of issues but would be helpful to me since I haven't tore into it like you guys have. Thanks!